I got it. I could bat my eyelashes at him. Surely, the innocent Colin couldn't resist a classic game like this.His eyes were sparking like stars, and he had long eyelashes. A game of batting eyelashes would suit him the best.I couldn't care less about how I would be dealt with if I disturbed his sleep. I moved closer until our faces touched and then started blinking my eyes, letting my eyelashes battle with his.But after blinking a few times, my eyes were already itching so much that I wanted to rub them with my hands. But I stubbornly resisted the urge and continued to blink. After about six times, his eyeballs began to move. His hands that were folded in front of his chest also moved slightly.He wasn't sleeping at all, just deliberately ignoring me.Hmph, I was going to continue blinking even if it was itching terribly. I had to persevere.But he moved before I could continue further.I saw his long arms stretching out and his long legs entangling with mine. Within a fract
This rule was a little immoral, wasn't it?What if someone drew a bathroom? Did that person have to let others poop or pee on them? That was heartless.What was even more infuriating was that Colin and I wasted more than an hour just to dress up meticulously. Our efforts were totally wasted. We were busy for nothing. That made me so angry that I really wanted to beat Xavier up and wished that he drew a character like a monk so that I could shave off his hair.Xavier was such a ruthless young man. How did the professor give birth to such a person? He was so mischievous, the complete opposite of the professor's noble character. I really doubted if he was the professor's biological son. If he was, then there had to be a genetic mutation.I reluctantly changed into formal attire with a heart full of dissatisfaction and helplessly went to the party. I guessed we just had to go with the flow and problem-solve on the spot if something unacceptable really happened.The birthday party wa
I couldn't understand it.Xavier was especially enthusiastic when he personally guided us into the hotel lobby. Colin and I were led to the area where the lots for the characters were drawn under the curious and envious gazes of high society elites.The Kings were rich. Even the box containing the character cards looked outrageously expensive.Before reaching into the box, Colin and I exchanged encouraging glances with each other. We had discussed this on the way here, hoping that I would draw Snow White and he would draw the prince who woke her up.Unfortunately, things didn't always go as planned. I ended up as Megara from Hercules while Colin got the dramatic SpongeBob.Who the hell came up with SpongeBob as one of the characters? It was not even real! What was even more annoying was the outfits for the characters.Although the SpongeBob costume was new, it looked really ridiculous. Colin had to wear a yellow bodysuit on his upper body and long socks that pulled up to his kn
Colin sneered and ignored Xavier's cries. He stepped back into the dressing room and changed his outfit to become Hercules. His tall and muscular figure totally matched the character of Hercules."Was I being unfair? Why would I tease you? But you should really thank yourself for coming up with such an idea for the party. Otherwise, you wouldn't have had the chance to post such a selfie. Ever heard of reaping what you sow? It's the perfect description for your photo."Xavier was so angry that he stomped his feet, unable to retort against Colin. All he could do was shout, "You're a bully!"However, Colin couldn't be bothered with him. He just grabbed my hand and turned to talk away, leaving the still-ranting Xavier behind.After his plan to embarrass Colin failed and after tarnishing his own image, Xavier could only run back to the entrance to play the welcoming turkey again while babbling incoherently.All guests had arrived early to the party. Professor King delivered the opening
When the music had played halfway through, many people had also slipped onto the dance floor. The atmosphere began to heat up.It was fortunate that the opening dance was just a false alarm for me. I patted my chest and found a quiet corner to hide.I didn't like such an event filled with insincerity.After Colin was pulled away by a man to have a talk, I felt bored and found a corner. I was going to look for some food. People might say things like, "Luna Lawson, were you starved to death in your past life? Why do you always go to parties just to eat instead of building your network and connections, and plotting how to maximize your benefit? Have you not eaten that food before or something?"In fact, I was also frustrated. But I didn't know what else to do besides eating. I didn't have much in common with the people here. So, instead of greeting those snobbish people, I would rather eat more good food. After all, the food prepared by the Kings was hard to come by.There was tons
Xavier looked embarrassed and chuckled awkwardly to cover it up. "Please pay attention to the word 'seriously.' What I mean is officially pursuing someone with the intention of getting married to her, not some puppy love."I shrugged while holding a highly disapproving and doubtful attitude toward his words. At the same time, I made it clear where I stood in regard to his proposition."Sorry, I have a boyfriend, and we have a stable relationship. So, I have no intention of changing that. Plus, I've always been a faithful person when it comes to matters of the heart. Unless Colin explicitly told me he doesn't want me anymore, no one can separate me from him, including the son of the Kings."He was unwilling to accept this and circled around me. "Are you serious? What's so great about Mr. White? He's old-fashioned, so he's totally not the right person for you. Living with him would feel suffocating sooner or later. "But look at me! I'm young, handsome, wealthy, and caring. I have ev
What did she want to do by telling such a huge lie?"Just speak your mind," the male voice sounded slightly impatient."You want Luna and I want Colin, so why don't we… work together?""Oh?" Xavier chuckled lightly. "That guy's always so stiff and cold, always so serious. How could so many women fall for him? Are they blind?"Jasmine remained silent."I wonder what kind of collaboration you have in mind? Are you planning to drug Colin and sleep with him, or get Luna drunk so I can climb into her bed?""Haha, you're indeed intelligent. While this method lacks originality, it's quite effective. If we drug them both, won't it be a win-win situation? We'll both get what we want."Jasmine was truly cunning. I wanted to rush out and curse her to death, exposing her hypocrisy. She was saying one thing to my face and another behind my back.Suppressing my anger, I stayed put. I wanted to see what else she had to say, and more importantly, what choice Xavier would make when he was faced
"Are you afraid?" Jasmine raised her eyebrows provocatively, challenging me.I shook my head. She clearly didn't understand love.Colin's heart and mine were firmly tied together, so no one could tear us apart. What was there to be afraid of?"Jasmine, if you're really that confident, why do you have to use such dirty tricks? I'm an adult. There's no use trying to goad me. But there is something I have to say whether you like it or not. Would you like to know?""Just say it," Jasmine said coldly, her face full of anger. It was as if someone owed her a great debt."Your family background, appearance, education, and experience are all excellent, Jasmine. But you don't seem to understand that not everything can be forced. "Colin and I have a deep bond that started more than 20 years ago. Even if the person he ends up marrying isn't me, it definitely won't be you. So, I'd advise you not to waste your efforts. "There are so many people in this vast world. Why do you have to make yo
Luna furiously scolded me, asserting that I didn't deserve Queenie's love and that Queenie had been blind to my true colors all those years. Driven mad by desperation, I chased after Queenie, determined to tell her I was wrong and plead for another chance to prove myself. However, the young man intervened, delivering a swift and punishing combination of punches and kicks that knocked me to the ground. Humiliated, I struggled to get up and fight back, unwilling to lose to another man.Despite his youthful appearance, the look in his eyes as he glanced at Queenie was undeniable. It was a blend of love, desire, and possessiveness only a man could understand.I was consumed by the thought that he wasn't worthy of my precious Queenie's love.Nevertheless, my body felt heavy and powerless. It was as if the strength had been drained from me. The blows rained down on me, bringing with them a strange sense of relief amidst the pain. Part of me yearned for him to kick me harder, inflict
I wanted nothing more than to run to Queenie, to hold her tightly and tell her how much I missed her during those endless days apart. I wanted to kiss her deeply and feel the warmth of her embrace. I called out, "Queenie, I'm here."Seeing me seemed to jolt Queenie from her joyous state, replacing it with a vacant expression. Mere moments before, she had been smiling brightly, her eyes aglow with happiness. Now, she appeared lost, her initial elation dissipating into a blank, unresponsive gaze.I couldn't understand why she had turned so distant upon seeing me. The love and joy that once shone in her eyes were nowhere to be found. As I observed her, I wondered if our time apart had caused her to forget. Or perhaps the events of the past had wounded her so profoundly that she had stopped waiting for me.The thoughts terrified me, and I dared not ask for fear of confirming my suspicions. All I wanted was to hold her, kiss her, and tell her how much I missed her. Yet, it seemed tha
I had no interest in Daniela's pregnancy, so I kicked her out of the house. My friends came to console me, each expressing their sympathies with a drink because they didn't know how else to comfort me.The money I had sent to Queenie's account was quickly returned as the account had been closed. Her phone number became unreachable, and when I sought her at her parents' home, I found the elderly couple waiting anxiously for their daughter's return. I lost not only Queenie but any connection to her. I grew disinterested in everything, neglecting my company and spending my days in a drunken haze.Then, my uncle came. We drank through the night as he shared tales of his hardships, the painful memories of his mother, and the years he spent alone, suffering.He said, "Everyone has their fate, Flynn. And choosing one thing often means losing another. Just as you've chosen to fight for the family business, you've sacrificed a part of yourself. But you must rise and fight me with all you'v
Queenie would then jump off the cliff, leaving me to jolt awake in a cold sweat. I endured each twilight in my hopeless vigil, counting down the days.On the 75th day, the door finally unlocked. I stepped outside and realized that this was the neighborhood where Queenie and I lived. All this time, we had been mere yards apart.My mom truly knew how to break a person's spirit. All I had to do was lift my head to see the pomegranate tree planted in our yard.I stumbled toward our home, my wounds screaming as I desperately called for Queenie. But the immaculate house stood eerily silent, echoing my footsteps like thunder.Except for Queenie, every possession remained meticulously in place—the exquisite clothes, expensive jewelry, and designer cosmetics.Queenie was gone, and the thought of losing her drove me into a frenzy.I collapsed in the middle of the room, sobbing uncontrollably. Regret consumed me. I should have never let my family's threats manipulate me and left Queenie to
I clenched my fists, barely resisting the urge to rush over to Queenie's side. All I wanted was to embrace her and whisper assurances that I would protect her, always. But I knew I had no right to do so.My dad's threat hung heavy in my mind, and the stares of Daniela and her mother bore into Queenie like daggers. One wrong move or word and those blades would descend upon Queenie, cutting her to shreds.The pain was unbearable. I felt sorry for Queenie. I was powerless and couldn't help her. With all my heart, I wished for her to stay strong and survive. She deserved better than me. Daniela's mother slapped Queenie, calling her a whore and a homewrecker, accusing her of seducing other people's boyfriends.Queenie stood rigidly, her gaze filled with humiliation. Her lips trembled, and the light in her eyes gradually faded.I winced in agony but held myself together, picking up Daniela and walking away.Countless times afterward, I berated myself for choosing to take Daniela away
We both knew the truth—neither of us could cross the chasm that had formed between our hearts.After that, I went home almost every day. We managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy in our day-to-day lives. We prepared sumptuous dinners and tended to our garden. I even considered adopting a pet to keep Queenie company while I was away.However, no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't rekindle the warmth we had once shared. Queenie hardly smiled anymore. No matter what I did to cheer her up, she would only give a half-hearted smile, her eyes remaining cold and distant.I knew something had transpired during our separation, but she refused to discuss it. My attempts to uncover the truth through private investigators were in vain. Any evidence had been meticulously erased.Eventually, I realized Queenie was simply biding her time, waiting for the moment when she would be forced to relinquish all hope and leave.A month later, my mother joyfully told me that Daniela was pregnant an
I grabbed a brush from the bathroom and scrubbed myself furiously, desperate to wash away the overwhelming sense of filth. Even as the rough bristles tore into my skin, drawing blood and causing searing pain, I felt no closer to feeling clean.My mind was consumed with thoughts of Queenie and the nearly five years we had spent together—the happy moments, the arguments, every single memory.At that moment, I realized I was terrified. Never before had I experienced such abject fear. Knowing Queenie's uncompromising stance on love and fidelity, I knew she would never forgive me once she discovered my transgression.She would undoubtedly turn and leave, heedless of any pleas I might make. I probably wouldn't even have the courage to ask for her forgiveness in the face of her justified anger.I regretted everything. If I had listened to my friends and taken Queenie away from all this, none of this would have happened. But I had hesitated. Even now, I couldn't be certain if my hesitati
Yesterday afternoon, my dad called and demanded that I make a decision within two days, or they would take action.I felt cornered because I genuinely didn't know how to talk to Queenie about this. The mere idea of her packing her belongings and leaving, accompanied by the unspeakable anguish it would inflict upon me, was a burden too heavy to bear.I wasn't sure if I could ever have a semblance of normality in my life again after that.So, I gathered some friends to drink with me. I drank heavily because I had made a decision—a disgraceful, heartless decision. The thought of what I would have to face the next day made life seem hopeless, so I drank even more.Before losing consciousness, I handed my car keys to my assistant, using my last bit of clarity to tell him to take me home no matter what state I was in.Even if it meant returning to the Hayes family's residence, he should not leave me out on the streets. Despite the imminent breakup, I wanted to part ways with Queenie in
My mom proved to be even more ruthless than my dad. She found me, dropped to her knees without a word, and begged me. She reminded me of the years they had spent raising me, pleading that I ensure they wouldn't be left without a sense of security in their old age.In essence, they were pressuring me to abandon everything. I was to pursue money and power for their sake, secure the Hayes family's head position, and ensure our grip on wealth and influence. Their priority was maintaining their luxurious, elevated lifestyle. My happiness, my desires—whether I even wanted those things—meant nothing to them. Sometimes, it felt like I was nothing more than a tool for achieving their ambitions.My dad told me bluntly that he would go after Queenie if I didn't comply. He said, "You're right. I'm incapable of outmaneuvering your uncle. But no matter how incompetent I am, I can easily make Queenie's life in Harveyton unbearable."To be honest, that day was the coldest my heart had ever felt